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WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER BASED IN WORCESTERSHIRE

Documentary Wedding Photography

June, 2024

FAMILY PREP FOR SUMMER PHOTOS: MUST KNOW TIPS

HOW CAN YOU ENSURE THAT YOUR FAMILY HAS FUN AND STAYS RELAXED DURING THE PHOTOSHOOT?

To ensure a fun and relaxed photoshoot, choose a comfortable location, plan activities to keep everyone engaged, and hire a professional photographer who can capture candid moments. Encouraging laughter and natural interactions among everyone also helps create genuine and joyful images.

FAMILY PREP FOR SUMMER PHOTOS

Summer is a great time to book a portrait session. It's the summer holidays, grandparents may be visiting or university aged children back home, and the weather is gorgeous! Now that you’ve got everyone in the one place, here’s what to know about planning for a summer photo shoot that you’ll cherish for years to come.

So, first things first…

HOW CAN YOU CHOOSE THE PERFECT LOCATION FOR YOUR FAMILY SUMMER PHOTOSHOOT?

Location is critical to a great summer family photo session. Think about places that will reflect your family’s interests and personalities, or ones that have meaning to you. If you’re not sure where to start, I will always help some local recommendations – including some wet-weather backups! Don’t forget to consider how your chosen location looks at different times during the day too, it's a good idea to consider accessibility for younger children too. We'll always look for spots with good lighting, natural backdrops, and minimal distractions, although somewhere within a short walk or drive to an ice cream van as a reward, is sometimes the easiest way to get little ones to pose, that and a good old-fashioned nap beforehand. In carrying out this essential family prep for summer photos, we'll well on our way to ensuring the setting allows your family's personality to shine through during your family session into your family photography.

WHAT CLOTHING COLOURS AND STYLES WORK BEST FOR SUMMER FAMILY PHOTOS?

Key family prep for summer photos, is to consider what everyone will be wearing! Opt for light, pastel colours that complement the season. Flowy fabrics can create a relaxed vibe. Where possible, try to avoid bold patterns or logos that can be distracting and may not stand the test of time in your final digital photo gallery.

PLAN IN ADVANCE

With wedding season in full swing, summer can be a busy time for us professional photographers. Planning ahead means a higher chance of successfully booking your choice of photographer on the day that you want to book them for. Where possible, try to have some backup days available, just in case the weather doesn’t play ball and keep your portrait date in mind in the weeks leading up to the shoot itself, aiming to avoid risky activities or drastic hairstyle changes!

COORDINATE

If your photoshoot is going to be in your back garden, for example, it's best to avoid dressing head-to-toe in green outfits that will blend in with the background or red ones that will evoke Christmas. Props can help elevate an outfit or add extra personality to your shoot – parasols, books or picnic rugs can be used as an example.

LOGISTICS

If your photo shoot involves young children or furry friends, always bring backup clothing, nappies, food, fluids, and a plan for keeping them on task (bribes can be incredible!). Your photographer will be able to help with posing, energy, smiles, and organization to a point, but it will make a huge difference to have a family member or friend who will be taking the lead and can help the photo shoot run smoothly. Be mindful of young routines too – a photoshoot during nap time might not get all the smiles you want!

TRY TO BREATHE

We know you want everything to be just so for your summer family portrait session. Remember, you can’t control the weather, small children and pets, or even other people enjoying a public space. Relax, go with the flow, and enjoy the experience – it's the easiest way to get the best results. Your photographer is an expert at what they do and will take multiple shots to make sure you get the images you’re after!